December 15, 2011 – An exciting new set of gold medallions, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Chief Albert Luthuli winning the Nobel Peace Prize was launched in Johannesburg on November 23, 2011.
Launched on November 23 at Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia Johannesburg, the Mandela Luthuli Laureate twin set marks the 50th anniversary of Chief Albert Luthuli winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Mandela Luthuli Laureate twin set consists of a 1/2oz Luthuli Laureate gold medallion and a 1/2oz Mandela Liliesleaf gold medallion. In his long walk to freedom, Nelson Mandela makes reference of sitting in the Liliesleaf Farm kitchen and listening to Chief Albert Luthuli being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on the radio. Luthuli was awarded the prize in 1960 while Mandela received his joint award together with FW De Klerk in 1993.
(left to right): Embracing the partnership, Norwegian Ambassador to South Africa, Kari Bjørnsgaard, Mrs Albertina Luthuli, daughter of Chief Albert Luthuli and Jan Eirik Hansen, the new Mint Director of the Mint of Norway at the launch of the Mandela Luthuli Laureate twin set.
The launch of the twin medallion set took place at Liliesleaf, a pivotal landmark and place of refuge for leaders and stalwarts of the liberation struggle, situated in the suburb of Rivonia. Liliesleaf has recently been restored and preserved and is now one of South Africa’s most prominent historical and educational landmarks.
(left to right): An important part of South African history, Alan Demby, the executive chairman of The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) presents Mrs Albertina Luthuli, daughter of Chief Albert Luthuli, with the Mandela Luthuli Laureate twin set that will be put on permanent display at the Luthuli Museum.
Always on the lookout for remarkable minting opportunities, Alan Demby, the Executive Chairman of SAGCE, confirmed that this is the first Luthuli gold medallion venture of which royalties will go to the Albert Luthuli Museum. Adding to its rarity, only 500 twinsets will be minted. Mrs Albertina Luthuli, daughter of Chief Albert Luthuli, accepted one of these sets from Alan Demby, to be put on permanent display at the Luthuli Museum.
Addressing delegates at the launch, Nicholas Wolpe, CEO of the Liliesleaf Trust together with Alan Demby also preempted the 2012 launch of the Bursary for Memory and Legacy for candidates meeting the criteria to further their post-graduate studies in human sciences. In partnership with Liliesleaf and the Mint of Norway, SAGCE will be minting a series of medallions from which royalties will benefit the bursary. The medallions will commemorate the 50thanniversary of the Liliesleaf raid.
Jan Eirik Hansen, the new Mint Director of the Mint of Norway, came to South Africa to announce the launch of the Luthuli twin set and to confirm their support of the Bursary for Memory and Legacy. Mint of Norway is a proud producer of the Nobel Peace prize for more than 100 years.
For more information on the Mint of Norway, please click here.